Slightly more seriously toned and classier film than Mattei's other 1987 RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD PART II knockoff STRIKE COMMANDO, DOUBLE TARGET suffers from a slow pace, bizarre use of footage from other movies, and O'Keeffe's far more subtle approach to the subject matter. Furthermore, Bo Svenson's casting as a Russian bad guy couldn't be much more off-target if he tried... or off-DOUBLE-target for that matter. Svenson doesn't even try a Russian accent and seems to be putting even less effort into his role than Harrison Ford into any movie after 1993.
Perhaps it's just that I came in with expectations rendered ultra-low after having seen STRIKE COMMANDO and ROBOWAR prior to this film, but I was shocked at this film's relative professionalism. The cinematography and musical score both rank a cut above most of Mattei's films from the same period. I have to give special props to Stefano Mainetti, at the time a newcomer to the field of film composing. Some of his tracks for this film feel much more sweeping and orchestral than one would expect for an 80's score accomplished largely on a Casio keyboard. While not exactly Vangelis quality, it gives the film a character of its own.
Furthermore we get a fun supporting cast including Ottaviano Dell'Acqua, Massimo Vanni, Mike Monty, Donald Pleasance (albeit in a completely forgettable cameo), and Luciano Pigozzi. They all look to be having a good time and the lush jungle scenery and exploding hut action ranks among the best of the dubious Italian-Filipino action subgenre. As far as Bruno Mattei schlock knockoff films go, it may be one of the only times he seemed to take himself semi-seriously and with decidedly mixed results. So, if you're like me and go in with low expectations, you may find yourself (Donald) Pleasantly surprised.
Perhaps it's just that I came in with expectations rendered ultra-low after having seen STRIKE COMMANDO and ROBOWAR prior to this film, but I was shocked at this film's relative professionalism. The cinematography and musical score both rank a cut above most of Mattei's films from the same period. I have to give special props to Stefano Mainetti, at the time a newcomer to the field of film composing. Some of his tracks for this film feel much more sweeping and orchestral than one would expect for an 80's score accomplished largely on a Casio keyboard. While not exactly Vangelis quality, it gives the film a character of its own.
Furthermore we get a fun supporting cast including Ottaviano Dell'Acqua, Massimo Vanni, Mike Monty, Donald Pleasance (albeit in a completely forgettable cameo), and Luciano Pigozzi. They all look to be having a good time and the lush jungle scenery and exploding hut action ranks among the best of the dubious Italian-Filipino action subgenre. As far as Bruno Mattei schlock knockoff films go, it may be one of the only times he seemed to take himself semi-seriously and with decidedly mixed results. So, if you're like me and go in with low expectations, you may find yourself (Donald) Pleasantly surprised.